With this giddily entertaining show, David Yazbek confirms that The Full Monty wasn't a fluke--few on Broadway can equal his melodic verve and lyrical cleverness. Based on the 1988 movie of the same name, the show deals with a pair of con artists swindling rich women on the French Riviera. Lithgow brings debonair charm to the Michael Caine part, while Norbert Leo Butz (Wicked) proves to be a comic dynamo in the Steve Martin part. And Yazbek provides them with an array of catchy tunes (adorned in beautiful Bacharach-style arrangements by Harold Wheeler). Butz goes ballistic on the hilarious "Great Big Stuff," which demolishes conspicuous consumption, then pairs up with feisty leading lady Sherie Rene Scott on "Love Is My Legs," a wicked sendup of Celine Dion­style torch epics. Meanwhile, Lightgow nails the tender ballad "Love Sneaks In." A delicious jazz reprise of "Nothing Is Too Wonderful to Be True" by Scott and pianist Bill Charlap shows that Yazbek's songs don't need flashy pizzazz to be memorable. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Fun,and enjoyable
This CD has music that can be very fun and enjoyable to listen to.The score has a bit of a jazzy sound to it.the music is not pretty nor is the singing pretty but it is not supossed to be.This is a CD album for those Musical fan's that are stick and tired of stuff like Hairspary and some of the other corny Musical's out there.

Norbert saves the day!
This is one of the most embarrassing CDs to exist. It's not completely atrocious because there are about 4 songs that I enjoy, but that by no means makes a great, or even good cast recording. I only feel sorry for Norbert & Sherie because they've really gone backwards from their days of The Last Five Years. The lyrics are by no means witty or amusing. Sample lyrics are...

I'm not going to deny that the show was funny (all in part to Norbert). I thought Norbert was fantastic and I hope he wins the Tony. The entire cast sings their little hearts out. But I honestly quiestion why the score was nominated. The CD makes absolutely no sense if one has not seen the production before. The music is pretty weak and the lyrics... well, you saw those samples above. Save your sanity and purchase "Light in the Piazza."

DAVID YAZBEK IS THE COLE PORTER OF OUR TIME!
First off, I have not seen the Broadway play yet.This review is for the CD, and it is all David Yazbek through and through.He is definitely the Cole Porter of our time, in terms of lyrical wit (and bawdiness), rhyming skills, rhythmic abilities and timing, etc.Musically, this disc picks up where "The Full Monty" left off...with mostly Broadway show-type numbers and lots and lots of humorous and witty lyrics.I encourage all of you theatre goers who also like great pop/rock to check out David's 3 pop/rock discs under his band name, Yazbek.Meanwhile, I've got a fall trip to the Great White Way in my future...

Amazing!
I made a vow to myself that, after a less-than-shining experience not long ago, I would never again see a Broadway musical without first being familiar with the show's music.However, while recently in NYC I gave in to temptation and caught a performance of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels".I was already a fan of the movie and absolutely couldn't resist the idea of seeing several of my Broadway idols in the flesh.So, I was hesitant but hopeful.
Yet from the first moment the overture began, I was transported.The mood of the piece is immediately set, and you are swept up in the intrigue and underhanded dealings of our loveable scoundrels.I was delighted from the start.The performances are all utterly top-notch.Lithgow is simply a marvel, and it's such a treat to see him here, I was literally awestruck at his first appearance on the stage.His "Love Sneaks In" is definitely one to pull on the old heart strings.Sherie Renee Scott has always been one of my favorite Broadway singers...her voice is simply unreal for its crystal quality and clear belt, not to mention her ability to carefully and tenderly interpret lyrics (every time I hear her exclaim "These fries are French!" I laugh).Joanna Gleason is a legend.She's got such ease and charm, it's a pleasure to watch and even more so to hear her.
Of course, he who truly runs off with the production is none other than Norbert Leo Butz.The rumors are true: He's incredible.I've always loved his gorgeous voice, from "The Last Five Years" to "Wicked" to this production.He doesn't get the opportunity to play the swooning love interest like the previous two productions, but the lushness and depth of his voice still shines through.And his miraculous range as a performer is astounding both in person and on this soundtrack.He goes from "Great Big Stuff" to "All About Ruprecht" to "Love is My Legs" (my far-and-away favorite track, it never ceases to make me smile) and manages to infuse each number with so much energy and magnetism.I can only imagine the outcry if he doesn't roll away with the Tony.
The cast as a whole has one thing which really makes the difference between an okay show and a great one: Joy.Every actor has such a good time up there, it's obvious.And infectious.There's nothing an audience responds to better than the cast that truly enjoys themselves and each other.And you need only listen to "Dirty Rotten Number" to witness the obvious admiration and affection our two main scoundrels have for each other both in and out of character.
Combine the beautiful music and this stellar cast with the amazingly witty and literate lyrics in each number.Every track must be listened to several times over before all the references and jokes and asides are deciphered.There are still moments of awe when I pick up a line I previously missed or wonder to myself, exactly how DOES a writer pull off something like that?
In all, this is a truly unique experience.No, it's not laden down with some deep message about life or love.No, it's not scathing social commentary (though there are a few lines in there, most especially the "Bushes from Tex" passage in "Ruprecht", which speak to today's audience: "The Bushes from Tex were nervous wrecks because their son was dim....But look what happened to him!" Let me assure you, the audience went wild!).It's good, (mostly) clean fun, the soundtrack to which I have played innumerable times since I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy before the performance.Of course, there is bonus material on the newly-released soundtrack which makes me wonder if I shouldn't go buy that as well! It's worth the money for the ticket AND the soundtrack.If you're fortunate enough to live in close proximity to Broadway, I urge you to see it.If not, listen to this soundtrack and enjoy thoroughly.

Excellent soundtrack -- and I've seen the show
I saw this show on Broadway about a month ago and have been waiting for the release of this CD since then.It's quite a good recording of all the show's music.I would probably avoid buying it until you have seen the show, but then again John Lithgow does use Track 17 to humorously warn you that the tracks which follow could give away the plot's twists and turns -- which is awfully gentlemanly of him.The jacket has a great synopsis of the plot and all lyrics included, in case like me you can't quite understand every one of Lithgow's words in the songs with the 'Schiffhausen' accent.My favorite song has to be Lithgow's 'Love Sneaks In', which is short but sweetly done with the emotion that I love from Lithgow in his work.

The CD also has three demo tracks at the end from David Yazbeck.Two out of three are wastes since he performs them himself -- the production versions of 'Ruprecht' and 'Here I Am' are done much more effectively than these pitiful demos.However, the demo of 'Nothing Is Too Wonderful' with Sherie Scott singing is a different twist on the song which I really enjoyed -- the kind of mellow piano-based tune you'd expect to hear in a jazz bar.Quite nice, in my view.

Do yourself a favor -- see the show first, which is an enjoyable experience, then get the soundtrack.For the most part, you won't be disappointed.
... Read more

Anybody who's gotten a boogie-inducing earful of Buzz Buzz will back the claim that Laurie Berkner sailed right past the sophomore slump. On this, her 1998 release, the Ani DiFranco of kids' music, as she's been tagged, inspires still more hands-in-the-air at-home hoe-downs among the 6 and under set with her evenhanded blend of zany, zingy original songs and well-chosen traditional numbers. Crying out for special mention in the former category are "The Pretzel Store," on which a gang of "twisty, curly, hole-y, and straight" salty characters escape from the clutches of eager snackers in a variety of inventive ways; "Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)," a surefire vehicle for revving up round-the-living-room arm-flappers; "Ice Cream Cone," a handy directive for Ben and Jerry's beginners ("You can eat it from the side / You can eat it from the top / You can lick it round and round / Like you're never gonna stop"); and "The Cookie Bakers of the Night," bound to get a brood of wannabe cookie monsters mixing pretend batter and waving wooden spoons in the air. Traditionals, especially the rocking rendition of "The More We Get Together," the voices-only "Rum Sum Sum" with its souped-up lyrics, and the bass- and alto-sax enhanced "Erie Canal" roundly impress. Berkner's much-lauded flair for firing up little ones' imaginations aside, what's perhaps best about her is her sharpshooting when it comes to crowd pleasers. Her smooth singing and can't-be-denied guitar chops keep Barney-bombarded grown-ups from wanting to climb out the car window. With the right sort of luck, the buzz on this record will transcend its title and win Berkner an extended band of intergenerational admirers.--Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Buzz Buzz
Wow! What a great CD! Not only do my kids love it but I can't stop singing the lyrics when I'm alone! Bravo Laurie! If you have to have children's music running through your head, this is the CD for you. Lots of fun, catchy tunes and the kids have big smiles on their faces when I play Buzz Buzz. I also have Laurie Berkner's other CD Victor Vito and it's also a favorite in our house. I'm giving this as a gift to all my friends with kids who haven't yet discovered Laurie Berkner.

Children's music doesn't get any better than this!
This is my favorite CD in the whole world! My brothers and sister and I LOVE the music! We play it all the time in the car (we like to dance too but my Mom won't let up take our seat belts off). My Mom says.....I'd be willing to predict that Laurie Berker is the next great star in children's music! We've seen her perform live and she's as lively as her music. Her lyrics are priceless. Don't miss the chance to make your child jump, jive and jiggle to this wonderful CD!

Laurie Berkner Rocks!
My daughter has loved Laurie B. from age 3 till now (almost 6), and we parents haven't tired of her a bit. We've been to four concerts, and her warm, fun presence really comes across on this CD. This one and her video are a staple of our entertainment library. I hope that motherhood (we just saw her very pregnant) doesn't steal her away from her fan base for too long!

so much fun!
We just got this cd after see Laurie Berkner on Noggin and it is so much fun -- I'm enjoying it as much as my 2 year old son! Perfect of any young child!

Awesome buy!!!
Bought this CD for the same reason as everyone else. My sons saw her videos on Noggin and they were hooked! They absolutely love this CD. My favorite is 'The Pretzel song' :o) Catchy tunes that even I find myself singing to.
... Read more

Laurie Berkner's Victor Vito is a 22-song giggle-fest for the under-7 crowd. Witness "The Goldfish," one of 16 originals on the former educator's third album, in which a bunch of fishies find themselves lathering up in the shower and pedaling furiously on bicycles until it dawns on them that their species doesn't do that sort of thing. And there's the title tune, which finds Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco snacking on a burrito with Tabasco and then tipping the hot stuff on their rice and beans and rutabagas and collard greens before Victor dives into a plate of spaghetti with Freddie. Loopy takes on classics like "O Susannah" round out the acoustic-guitar-driven drollery, and after both "Shakin' Down the Sugar" and an ode to feeling crazy enough to jump in the soup, the last cut, "Goodnight," is a welcome wind down. Berkner blurs the way too distinct line between goofiness and hipness with major aplomb, and this album's simple production, combined with her playful singing voice, seals the deal. Victor Vito is unwaveringly victorious in its friendly, laugh-a-minute mission. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Victor Vito
Not only our 2 1/2 & 4 year old boys love Laurie Berkner, Mom & Dad too. Indispensible for long car trips and my timid swimmer loves to imagine "we're fish" from The Goldfish song. If you can find her first two albums, "What do you think of that?" and "Buzz, Buzz" buy them too. (Buzz,Buzz would get six stars,if such a rating existed) Her catchy tunes and funny lyrics never become staid, like so much other childrens' music out there. Don't be surprised or embarressed when you find yourself singing her songs at work, we all do it!

Laurie Berkner is bigger than The Beatles to my kids
My 2 children (Daniel 6 1/2 and Grace 2 1/2) have been listening to and loving Laurie Berkner since my daughter was an infant. My daughter so loves Laurie's music that, for a time, she changed her name to Laurie (in tribute, we think).Victor Vito is an intelligent and entertaining album meant for kids under 7, but those of us approaching 40 enjoy it as well. My son, who is almost 7, still thoroughly enjoys all of Laurie's albums. Just yesterday he referred to "Buzz Buzz" as one of his favorites. Laurie's music is indispensable for car trips, bedtime music, and dancing around the living room.

NOT THE SAME OLD CHILDREN'S SONGS
I first heard Laurie Berkner on Noggin. My 3 year old son and I started calling her the "Singing Lady". I bought "Victor Vito" and "Whaddya Think of That?". We love to sing her songs because they are not your typical childrens songs. Adults and children LOVE them alike. The songs are original and creative. The classic songs have a "Laurie spin" to them. I sing them all whether or not the music is playing!!!! I will be buying more of her CD's. If there were DVD's we would buy them, as well! Well done !!!

Awesome buy!!!
Bought this CD for the same reason as everyone else. My sons saw her videos on Noggin and they were hooked! They absolutely love this CD. My absolute favorite is 'Story of My Feelings' :o) Catchy tunes that even I find myself singing to.

Fun, Catchy, Enjoyable for kids & adults
We have a lot of kid's music, but Victor Vito is an album we always come back to. My kids love it when I sing the slower songs to them as lullabyes. They are easy to memorize, with easy tunes. We love it.
... Read more

A musical partnership between Disney and the Make-A-Wish Foundation launched with the first official wish, which included a trip to Disneyland for 7-year-old Bobsy. This year we will celebrate the 50,000th Disney theme park visit for a Make-A-Wish child. In celebration of this landmark wish, Disney and Make-A-Wish have joined forces to create a compilation record themed around music of hope, friendship and dreams coming true. Each song is a timeless classic, which will instantly evoke the message of love and hope.Wishes! showcases leading artists, from Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Tony Bennett and many more, singing specially-selected Disney songs about the power of making wishes come true. Great artists, great songs and a great cause, brought together on one CD. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Hidden LOCKE Track
This has some great classics on it - but the find is the newly recorded duet of Peabo Bryson with KIMBERLEY LOCKE.I love her and I love that she's a classy lady taking part such a classy project.Brava!

KIMBERLEY LOCKE ONE & ONLY
THIs BEAUTIFUL GIRL WIHT THE RICH SOULFUL DREAMY VOICE BELONGS ON THE ALBUM WITh SUCH TALENT AS BETTE MIDDLER, BARBARA STRIESAND AND THE OTHERS....SHE IS A SUPERSTAR...WITH A SUPER VOICE...SMOOTH!!
... Read more

Walt Disney Records celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland with a complete collection of the best songs loved around the world at all the Disney Parks including "(Yo Ho) A Pirates Life For Me," "Grim, Grinning Ghost," "it's a small world (After All)," and many more, plus the all-new Disneyland 50th Anniversary Theme Song "Remember When" performed by music superstar LeAnn Rimes. Also features extensive liner notes with rare Disneyland photos, this CD is a timeless song collection that all Disney Park fans will treasure for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Disneyland memories
I wish they could have added other songs to this album but overall, I loved listening to all the songs of Disneyland. If I closed my eyes while listening to songs like from the Indiana Jones ride, Space Mountain, or the Haunted Mansion, I could actually imagine myself on the rides. Or the Coke Corner song, I can imagine myself eating ice cream from the Carnations place and listening to the piano. The album really does bring back a lot of Disneyland memories.

LeAnn Rimes
Bravo to LeAnn Rimes' beautiful song "Remember When." To be chosen to sing the theme of Disneyland's 50th anniversary is a major honor and they couldn't have picked a better person for the job.
... Read more

Hitch up your I-Pods, egg-headed hipsters of the future: They Might Be Giants, the out-there band that files its sound under the banner of "Can't We All Just Get Along" is speaking your language. What they're saying is No!, but in a way that's weirdly welcoming, especially to anybody who's over 3 and has a hard drive. No!'s computer enhancements (animation, games, and a sing-along scroll bar) don't assign the strictly audio experience to the so-what pile, but at certain moments they seem necessary--how else are you supposed to decipher a song ("Violin") whose only words are "violin," "hippo," and the ticking off of fractional segments of George Washington's head? Of course, to try to make sense of the 17 tunes contained here may be to miss the point. While TMBG's lyrical and vocal hijinks can be off-putting to grownups prone to self-consciousness about not getting the joke, the generation No! takes aim at needs nothing in the way of validation. Thus the brilliance of baggage-free ditties like "Fibber Island," where the natives strum rubber guitars and sew buttons on cars, "John Lee Supertaster," a rock & roll fantasy following a hero with heightened senses of sweet and sour, and "I Am a Grocery Bag," detailing what's bumping around in brown paper after a trip to the market. With their triumph over the tube (TMBG took home a Grammy for the theme to Malcolm in the Middle and perform and wrote the intro to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), frontmen John Linnell and John Flansburgh have already infiltrated the family market, sort of. No! finds the band bending to a level lots of other giants might overlook, but without cramping up. Given the right reach, They Could Be Kiddie Icons. -Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (106)

Dont cross the street In The middle of NO!
No! is a great kids album. I have all their cds, and even though i'm 11, this is still a great album. They don't have to be Raffi with songs about cute whales, but they have to be Johns, with songs about grocery bags and hippos.Great animations also!

1.FIBBER ISLANDA good opening. Almost like a folk song.One of the best kids songs about imagination. One of the best flash games also on theCD.

2. FOUR OF TWOAnother good {yet older} song. TMBG can sing about loving girls and dating, while still making it appropiate {and a bit confusing when they sing about bugs and flying cars} for kids. Great song.

3. ROBOT PARADEOn the "Working Undercover For The Man" they had an hard rock, fast version of this song. On No! it's softer, and more understandable, even though the game gets boring.

4. NO!The title track. You get to change No blocks to Yes blocks! A good use of electric guitars.{!}

5. WHERE DO THEY MAKE BALLOONS?One of the best. Sung by their drummer, I think, this song teaches about other countries and their products while asking the age-old question, "Where DO they make balloons?"

6.IN THE MIDDLE, IN THE MIDDLE, IN THE MIDDLEAn old cheesy 60's song, I think. Sorta dull.

7.VIOLINEven though the songs consists of the words "Violin-lin-lin","Hippo", "Mop!" and "Speck of dus-dus-dust" and a fraction lesson using George Washington's head {You'll get a presidential surprise!}, it is one of the best songs on the album.

8.JOHN LEE SUPERTASTERMy personal favorite. A rocking tune about a guy that is a supertaster. Has a hilarious intro by John Flansburgh.

9.EDISON MUSEUMOriginally on "Long Tall Weekend", this is still a great, spooky, educational song.The flash thing has the ghost of Thomas Alva telling you about phonographs and stuff.

10.HOUSE AT THE TOP OF THE TREEMy 2nd favorite, and the best game, where you try to save a treehouse by feeding a disturbing,fat mouse thats eating the house. If you dont feed him, the house falls down. The creepy little guy still pops his head out the window and waves at you.

The next four songs are all under one minute long, and, in my opinion, the worst. Anyway, CLAP YOUR HANDS makes you want to dance, I AM NOT YOUR BROOM is about what happens when your broom runs away, while the WAKE UP CALL song is a bit boring because the only words are Bo Bo Do Bo Bo. I AM A GROCERY BAG is about half a minute long, but you get to play with food in the interactive thing.

The last three songs are about sleeping and lullabies. LAZYHEAD AND SLEEPYBONES is a rather beautiful song that can actually somehom make you fall asleep. BED BED BED is a fast, energetic Beastles-esque type song about...you guessed it, BED!And SLEEPWALKERS is a med-tempo song about people who roam across the nation while they sleep.

In all, this is a good album and I recommend it to everyone.{Try to find the bonus song on the CD-ROM!!}

-Thomas Neufeld

all sorts of TMBG goodness
For those TMBG fans that were disappointed with Mink Car, I'd definitely not give up on they might be giants, but rather, pick up a copy of No! Sure, that'll mean getting over your pride and buying a childrens' album, but I think you can manage. Yes, No! is made for kids to enjoy, too, but that definitely does not mean that it's bad. Quite the opposite, actually. Almost all of these songs could easily go on a regular TMBG album, and everyone would be more than satisfied. I absolutely adore "Bed, Bed, Bed", "John Lee Supertaster", and "Four of Two", but they're really all great. The animations and games are wonderful, too. "The House at the Top of the Tree" is bunches of fun, and "I am Not Your Broom" is hilarious. Another interesting track is "Where Do They Make Balloons?" sung by Danny Weinkauf, the band's bassist. It's surprisingly very good; a nice variation. In summation, a very cohesive TMBG album, extremely fun and educational for kids, great songs live, and TMBG goodness all around. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND BUYING THIS ALBUM. if you're a tmbg fan, you should already have it!

Great for all ages
We bought this to have kids music in the house for my new son, but my husband and I love it!

Attuned to the mind of a child
This album captures the triumphant exuberance of childhood in a way that few other children's albums do. Songs such as "Fibber Island" and "Robot Parade" encourage children to exercise imagination and creativity. In "Bed, Bed, Bed," watching TV is but one of many activities in a full day that includes meeting friends, riding bikes, and playing the guitar. Even better, some of the songs are educational ("Where Do They Make Balloons?", "The Edison Museum") with the spirit of play, not lectures. But best of all, the songs have both simplicity and sophistication to their goofiness to appeal to children and older listeners alike. "Violin" and "John Lee Superstar" are good examples of this.

This album contains no bad language, violence, or encouragement of such, so most parents would not object to the material in this album. While some of the songs ("I Am Not Your Broom") may be interpreted as encouraging rebellion in children, I do not feel they are any more subversive than say, the poetry of Shel Silverstein.

The whimsical interactive sequences mostly require only that you run your mouse over the images, so children who can't click the buttons can still enjoy them. My one-year-old nephew insisted on going to listen to the CD on the computer first thing in the morning for quite a while. I also bought this album for my TMBG fan friends who were soon to be parents, and they were delighted.

Hooray for No!
My little sister got this for her birthday a few years back, and I must admit that I listen to it as much, if not more than her. A friend of our family is a hard-core TMBG fan, so we get a new CD pretty much every birthday or Christmas, or whatever. This is a totally awesome CD! I love the enhancement-you can plug it into your computer and it does all sorts of cool stuff. I admit that I brought it on the way to a sports championship and a few of the guys laughed, but soon found themselves singing along as well. Overall, a HOORAY FOR NO!
... Read more

Great for adults and kids to enjoy together
My two year old daughter loves this CD, and so do I. It holds her attention just as well as TV does, and what a great alternative! Some of the songs (Sesame Street Theme, Big Bird's Alphabet Song, Rubber Duckie) sound like the same recordings that I remember from 25+ years ago when I was growing up with Sesame Street. Others (Put Down the Duckie, Elmo's Song) are more recent. All are great!

Elmo's Song!
This CD was a lifesaver for us. My infant son hated his carseat rides until we got this CD. He especially likes the first song and "Elmo's Song." We've been listening to it for months, and had to buy two CD's so we would have on in the car and one in the house. Mommy and Daddy like "Elmo's Song," but we also like the old favorites from when we watched Sesame Street as children. Ernie's "Rubber Ducky" song is a real classic!

A Must Have!
This is a fantastic CD. My son is 18 months old, and just loves it. It's all the old favorites that I remember myself as a child. And, I think it's the original recordings too because the character voices are the ones from years ago, not today. We just got back from Sesame Place, and they play all these same songs in the background around the park. My son loved it, especially because he recognized the songs from his CD. It's also nice and long, so it keeps him happy for awhile whether at home or in the car.

A classic full of fun for the whole family
I find myself singing "put down the ducky", "rubber ducky" "being green" under my breath at work or at home- and I myself giggle. My husband and I recently drove to South Carolina from CT and this cd put loads of smiles on my sons face. If he gets finisky we pop it in and in an instant- he's listening and laughing. How could anyone not love Sesame Street.

Makes my baby DANCE!!
My little girl has loved this CD since she was about 7 months old. Now, at 11 months old, she sits in front of the CD player and sways back and forth in time to the music. This is great music that both she and I can enjoy together.
... Read more

An all-star cast has joined forces to produce a wonderful CD and, if that weren't exciting enough, a portion of the proceeds will help restore music education in the U.S. public school system through the VHI Save the Music Foundation. Clever new renditions of familiar Muppets and Sesame Street tunes abound, but Semisonic's Dan Wilson, ex-Del Fuego artist Dan Zanes, Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips, and Bleu wrote songs for this album, and Tom Waits's lullaby "Bend Down the Branches," originally recorded for a short film, makes its debut on this CD. No offense, Kermit, but the frog's 1979-vintage "The Rainbow Connection" never sounded so sultry as Sarah McLachlan's version here. Another favorite is "The Hoppity Song," a rock & roll ode to Five for Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's son Johnny. Make no mistake--this isn't one of those CDs that is more for adults than kids--songs about hygiene, the alphabet, and crying ("It's All Right to Cry" originally from Marlo Thomas's Free to Be You and Me) are truly "for the kids." That said, adults will enjoy hearing their favorite artists switch gears in this gentle (mostly, not Bleu's energetic "Snow Day!"), upbeat compilation, which combines just the right blend of familiar sing-along songs and exciting new material. The booklet doubles as a foldout coloring book, with illustrations for each song. A fun and noble effort for a fun and noble cause. --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Best of the Kids music
I was tired of hearing The Wiggles and Sesame Street had lost it's charm after the 1000 time listening to it, so I tried this CD-What a Gem!! I have a 2 yr old and a 10 yr old. They both love it. I love that it's artists that I like and music that they like and the lyrics arent questionable. It's a fun CD with varied styles. Sarah McLaughlin and The Rainbow Connection makes me teary-eyed, it's a great rendition. We love Guster and We've Got to Be Clean, and all the others.The Tom Waite song is my personal least favorite, but it's even acceptable.

I eagerly recommend this if you're tired of the same hum ho kids music. This is one you will love just as much as them.

Definitely worth a La La La Listen!
I bought this album primarily because it had a new Barenaked Ladies track on it (and since they haven't been touring this year I am STARVED for new BNL tracks) - but also because I am one of the "Sesame Street" generation & thought it would be fun to have a cd with some classic kids tunes sung by some of my favorite artists from today.

I was not disappointed!

The tracks on this cd are funny, sweet, nostalgic and even poignant (especially Sarah McLachlan doing a truly beautiful rendition of Kermit's "Rainbow Connection"). There is also a wonderfully diverse range of musical artists on this album... Cake, Tom Waits, Wilco, BNL, Dan Wilson. If you weren't a fan of any/all of these artists *before* hearing the tasty tunes provided on this album, you may well be before you've finished listening to the last track.

This would be a fun & even useful gift for friends or family who have young children, but I think it's going to be even more fun for those of us who grew up with Sesame Street and The Muppets. Who can resist singing "Mahna Mahna" or "The Hoppity Song" at the top of their lungs? I sure can't!

Better yet, the proceeds from this album go to two great causes; VH1's "Save the Music Foundation" in the U.S. and "The Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach" program in Canada. Being a former Band Geek myself, I know how important music was in shaping my character and my life. Other kids should have that same opportunity. And that alone is reason enough to buy this album IMO.

La La La.... lovely!

One of the best "family" CD's I've found
I work at a daycare, so I am inundated with different kinds of "children's" music day-in and day-out. This CD is the one I reach for on the weekend! My 2-year old loves it, and the babies that I work with at school do too. It is fantastic!

Best yet for rocking out with a toddler!
At our house, we run round and round the living room table with Hippity Hop playing at high volumes. This CD is a blast for both kids and parents. It is musically interesting, full of humor and sincerity, and is just plain fun. It makes us all smile - and we have yet to grow tired of it.

Fun for everyone!
This cd brought memories back to both my husband and I, especially with "Over the Rainbow", and it is an absolute hit with our now year and a half old son. The songs are catchy and fun and great to dance to. My only complaint is the "Snowday" song which I feel is a bit too heavy for young children. My husband likes it though.
... Read more

Wonderful music to sooth baby to sleep
This CD has become an important part of my son's bedtime ritual. The music is very calm and soothing... wonderful instrumental versions to familiar classics. The music is so nice that my husband has enjoyed listening to it as well (thru the baby monitor in the other room). This cd is harder to find than some of the other popular Baby Einstein cds (Baby Bach, Mozart, Beethoven), but it's worth the buy when you find it.
... Read more

There are thousands upon thousands of children's albums out there, but the one that quietly left its mark with more '70s children than perhaps any other album was this disc. Free to Be...You and Me was a pet project of proud feminist Marlo Thomas (a.k.a. "That Girl"), and it was born--according to the liner notes--by the desire to provide her niece with music "to celebrate who she was and who she could be." Harry Belafonte sings "Parents Are People," ex-football great Rosie Grier offers an incredible, touching melody titled "It's All Right to Cry," and Diana Ross waxes future-positive on "When We Grow Up." A great hour of brain food for young--and not-so-young--children. --Denise Sheppard ... Read more

Reviews (153)

Marlo Thomas & Friends- Free to Be You and Me
Most of the songs are delightful and positive. I do have one serious problem with one track however. The "Housework" track promotes a negative attitude toward housework that should not be instilled in anyone. My wife and I enjoy housework! Obviously, one's attitude toward housework is subjective, and therefore, should not be presented as a fact that mommy and daddy hate housework, and so will you when you grow up. Since we all have to do housework, we should promote a more positive attitude toward it. There is dignity in all honest work, including housework. I want my children to learn to enjoy housework. The track should focus primarily on the cooperative, fun, and rewarding aspects of housework. Incidently, if you want THE MOST FABULOUS (6 stars) children's music audio/video, check out Parachute Express' "Feel the Music." Our entire family dances and sings to it every day! It is absolutely fabulous! Ron Schlegel.

Makes me wish I grew up with this
On an episode of "Inside the Actor's Studio," Gwyneth Paltrow cited this album as one of her major influences in life. This piqued my interest, and I grabbed it at my local library. I was so pleased that I wished my parents had this for me when I was a child in the 1980s.

The messages are all very positive and life-affirming, even for adults. The "Free To Be... You And Me" theme song is just joyful. I love "William's Doll" for the pure affection of the Grandmother. The story of Atalanta is great, even for girls today. The line from Atalanta's father, the King, "Everyone gets married. It's what people do!" was surprisingly resonant. Not everybody gets married; some are meant for single life. The story's happy ending was satisfying, and good parents would be pleased if their daughter or son was happy whether they were married or not.

"When We Grow Up" and "Glad To Have A Friend" show how good friends in childhood can really form a child's personality and outlook on their future.

I love this, and I love that it sounds like the 19670s. Perfect.

Begs more questions than it answers
I read a ton of the reviews and decided to check this CD out at the library to listen to it before buying. I was not one of the nostalgic parents who remembered this from childhood. After listening to it, I decided not to buy it. I REALLY did not care for this CD. Not only did I feel there was too much talk and not enough music, but the talk itself begged questions that probably don't even cross the minds of your average 2-3 year old (such as the "girls are just as good as boys" theme)-- your girl won't even wonder if she's as good as a boy if you don't make a "thing" of it and just treat her right. Anyway, this CD bugged me a lot because of issues like that.

Still timely after all these years
I'm happy to finally own this album after having seen the video as an elementary school child. There are both songs that children can still sing when they feel they are too old for "children's music" such as "Free to Be You and Me" and whimsical songs smaller children would like such as "Helping." This album had a few pleasant surprises I didn't remember as a child, such as the hilarious "Housework" performed by Carol Channing. This album is startlingly ahead of its time with its message of self-esteem, liberating ideas on gender, and unselfconsciously racially integrated cast.

I feel the language and subject matter in this album can be safely rated G (even in "Boy Meets Girl," when a girl and boy baby humorously debate who is the girl and who is the boy). This album is safe for households concerned about media encouraging bad behavior in their children. On the other hand, this album is best avoided by households that wish to instill "traditional" gender roles in their children.

Yes! On to the next generation...
This album was one of my formative influences as a kid. Now that many of my friends are having kids of their own, I'm passing it along to all the new parents I know.

If you love(d) this album, do yourself a favor and get the companion book, _Stories for Free Children_. It explores the same themes of compassion, cooperation, and fun.

On a side note, it was a revelation to come back to "Free to Be" in my college years and realize how many of the performers were Famous People.
... Read more

Laurie Berkner serves up a heaping helping of whacked-out, slaphappy lyrics and get-you-moving acoustic guitar licks. The littlest listeners (Berkner's fan base barely skims the surface of the six-and-up crowd) will want to slip on their dancing shoes for such originals as the opening track, "We Are the Dinosaurs," on which a pack of prehistorics prance around, stopping only to eat their food when they're in the mood and take a rest over in their nest. The blues-soaked "I Know a Chicken" teeters on frenzied, shaky eggs and an over-the-top tempo, and the sweet, musically simple "123" tickles sentimental sides with its "koochie-koochie coo / I love you" refrain. Besides her surefootedness with her own songs, Berkner also nails a number of traditional tunes here, most notably "She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain," "ABCD Medley," on which she artfully melds the ABC song with "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and "Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)," a gloriously kiddified rendition of the already infectious original. Overall, this record reflects Berkner's knack for stacking on the fun. Best of all, because of its standout instrumentation, parents are apt to groove along ungrudgingly, thereby setting the stage for a squabble-free shared musical experience. Whaddaya think of that?--Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (15)

We Love Laurie!
I purchased this CD after my daughter showed how much she LOVED the skits in between her favorite Noggin shows. Now everytime I play the songs, she sings, dances and does actions along with them, and runs to the TV and says she wants to see the lady. I also purchased Victor Vito, the title song is such a fun song. I plan to purchase the rest of her CDs, and I also saw that the song Victor Vito was made into a book, we have to get that also since she loves to read!!

We parted with this with weeping and wailing
We borrowed this from the library after purchasing the other 3 Laurie Berkner CDs. Unfortunately I took my son with me to the library to return it...he had a total meltdown when we returned it! He begged me to check it out again and cried for 1/2 an hour, until I promised I'd find the CD and buy it.

That said, it is my least favorite of the Berkner CDs. I think it is the least polished and most eclectic. My son, however, apparently cannot live without the bluesy Chicken song, the meowing of "The Cat Came Back" and, of course, the beloved Dinosaur song. Overall, the songs are a pleasant break from typical kid-fare that make your brain feel as though someone has alternately stuck with an icepick and then poured lemonade in the wound tract. There are also plenty of songs, so you aren't listening for 20 minutes and back at the beginning.

This is going to join our other Berkner CDs, Ralph's World and world music classics in my son's CD holder.

Contagious! You'll be hooked
I can usually tolerate my kids music at best. But these little songs are just perfect for singing along. I've found myself singing them in my head while I'm at work. We've had this for a couple of weeks and my 3 year old already knows most of the words. This will be the gift I buy for all her little friends birthdays this year.

I Think It's Great!
I first became aware of Laurie Berkner's wonderful music through her appearances on Noggin (the Nick-affiliated children's cable station). My two-year old son loves these songs, and I do to. From the silly to the soulful, the folksy to the bluesy, the mundane to the sublime, Ms. Berkner sings about children's issues with wonderful energy and an unflagging musical sense. (Where else can you find an album that renders a contrapuntal treatment of the items in a Thanksgiving dinner menu?) Music to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

fantastic
A great find. Heard of her first from Noggin TV. My 22 month old loves her songs and often sings to them in the car or dances along when we play them in the house. Unlike Sesame Street music, I don't mind listenig to this over and over.
... Read more

The Bop is back, and as pop music gets brighter and more interesting, so does this series. The 18 tracks that make the cut this time do the usual genre swing, sailing effortlessly through the melodic fluff of "Accidentally in Love" and "Beautiful Soul" and then on to a second-grade shout-out to hip-hop and R&B via "My Boo" and "Let's Get it Started." In a misstep, rock gets the treatment courtesy of "1985" which, though an excellent song, might get lost on this crowd lyrically (for them, 1985 might as well be 1952). Largely, though, this batch of booty shakers for the rolling backpack set is fresh enough to give the old-school stuff that rounded out previous installations the appearance of filler. And where 6 relied on dance remixes to reach its sweaty apex, 7 dares you to move, as one of its songs goes, to genuine hits only. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (37)

To all the wackos out there
okay, to all the wackos out in cyberspace let me say one thing... hello please go find yourself a mental asylum and listen to kidz bop crap over and over. then you'll be happy and us normal people dont have to put up with you. i am 11 and i read the reviews that say "oh...its a *kids* CD, its not *for* the adults to enjoy" well my response to that would probably be edited out 'cause it contains about 20 lines of swearing. i am a kid and i hate this cd and the only person i know that actually bought it did it accidentally (she didn't know kids sang on it. it was the first kidz bop. long story) oh and fyi, NOW cds are edited too. and its not stuff like "she was gonna shake it fast" instead of "she was gonna shake her a**" (1985) so i would advise all those parents who want to look responsible, go buy a radio disney cd for your kid. It sounds cool and sounds alot like artists on the now series, but its clean and perfectly okay for a four-year-old to listen too. hope y"all take my advice, because frankly, you'll be glad you did. (especially the part about the mental asylum)

The Worst CD Ever!(I have a reason)
This review is coming from a positive person, so this CD must stink.This is the worst CD ever!I think the Kidz Bop Kidz have done it again.They made a horrible CD!!!What they do is have these average kids that can't sing try to record an album that has songs being sung by proffesinal singers aged 20+!!!These kidz have no talent and STINK!!!!Everybody in my school does not like Kidz Bop and listens to them to feel good after a rough day (it makes them laugh).But if you want this CD because you want a good laugh, then buy it!It is sooooo funny how they replace the swears in 1985 they go "She was gonna shake it fast"!Overall this is a terrible album do not buy it!!!!!!!!!

to gay for anyone
this music is horrible it ruins many good songs, and i have a message for college boy, i dont know if u were high or if thats a joke cause sh*t get a life and move out of your moms house and for the love of god get laid

BURN IN HELL, KIDZBOP
I don't think the songs are innapropriate, but the music sounds like it's being sung by a dying cow.
Do you have any idea how many songs this cd ruined for me? In my oponion, One Thing is one of the best songs ever written, not to mention 1985 and Welcome to My Life. Kidzbop is a marketing device designed to take children's money, and tell their own kids to spend THEIR money on the same useless crap.
Also, the added lyrics in Welcome to my life are pretty grim. eg. "Do you ever feel like breaking down? 'Yes!'" "Are you stuck inside a world you hate? 'Yes!'" The yesses are added by the "sweet and happy" kids.
In conclusion, I have two things to say.
1: DEFINETLEY DON'T BUY THIS ALBUM
2: BURN IN HELL, KIDZBOP!

My goodness...
Because it's not bad enough that I have to put up with stupid pop songs everytime I turn on the radio or MTV. NOOOO! They have to have KIDS sing the songs. Having 5 year olds sing Bowling For Soup is like having Geddy Lee sing death metal. DOESN'T WORK.
... Read more

For parents, listening to Dan Zanes provides not only instant Raffi relief, but also the warm sense of belonging to the right crowd. On each disc he trots out a posse of cool friends like Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, and Lou Reed and he delivers his openhearted lyrics with the rare roots-rocker's gift for stirring grace into grit. It would seem that the release of his fourth record, House Party would be ripe for a backlash--how long can the hokey conceit of a bunch of aging groovsters banging out kids' tunes in a Brooklyn basement hang onto its charm? Looks like we'll have to wait and see, because House Party rages on with the same winning, welcome-to-our-homespun-revolution vibe as its predecessors. Deborah Harry takes a twirl on "Waltzing Matilda," Bob Weir fires up the "Wabash Cannonball," and Angelique Kidjo bids "Jamaica Farewell," but the Zanes originals are this record's proving grounds, and they pin the tail on the donkey with bulls-eye precision. Contributions from returning regulars Barbara Brousal and Rankin' Don--the best couple of favors a party could hope for--send Zanes' campaign to become the guy who turned lampshade-wearing into a kindergarten fashion craze soaring. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great fun for kids and a welcome switch from Raffi
I must start by saying that I LOVE Raffi -- but every now and then, it's nice to find something to bridge the gap between "mommy's music" and the kids' music. A great friend gave this to me and said that it was all the rage. My first play left me wondering if she was crazy - I thought that it was too low-key and too Bob Dylan-ish to fly with my kids (3 and 5)....but then we kept listening, and I don't know how it happened, but we are all addicted! It is really fun music, great for singing and dancing, and definitely worth a try. I'm getting it for my sister and her family, and recommend it highly to anyone.

I LOVE this guy!
My 2 year old is hooked. He is our resident DJ and this is his new favorite of choice, and mine too. Nothing puts a smile on ALL our faces in the witching hours of late afternoon/early evening (when I'm trying to get dinner made) like this CD. Between Dan Zanes and Ralph Covert, my kids have stopped asking for TV. In fact, if the TV is on, the younger one will go turn on the music anyway. You cannot go wrong with this CD.

Dan Zanes -- Weapon of Mass Diversion
Much like Patty Loveless on "Mountain Soul" and with equal success, Dan Zanes has gone for a more organic, slightly less contemporary sound on "House Party." The result is a timeless record of quality music.

The title is particulary apt, as the album has the feel of a group of friends and family taking turns in the parlor with old, favorite tunes, evoking a fond comparison to Kate and Anna McGarrigle's "The McGarrigle Hour."

While Dan Zanes has set the bar fairly high with his previous albums, there are many higlights on "House Party": Cynthia Hopkins makes one remember what a beautiful instrument the accordion is; Philip Glass adds his own special somberness to the album's closing "A Place for Us"; "Tennessee Wig Walk" is the most fun I've heard on record in many a day; David Jones, on "How Do You Do?" is straight out of "Mary Poppins"; and, Deborah Harry's voice is as fine as always.

It's become a cliche to say that Dan Zanes' music is as enjoyable for adults as it is for children, but it's true. The seeming simplicity of the songs makes them instantly accessible to children, and the many layers of top-notch musicianship make the songs gems to be prized by their parents.

dan zanes & friends do it again!
i've been a fan of dan zanes for a while. his albums are one of the very few "children's" music CD's that i continue to listen to even when my daughter is not in the car. i wouldn't even classify them as "children's" music, but rather "family" music. this album is lots of fun and has a wide variety of music. you won't be disappointed with any of the dan zanes CD's, and this one is no exception.

Pure Joy
I had not heard of Dan Zanes and Friends til recently when I saw them on a morning news show. They were performing Waltzing Matilda. I was mesmerized, and smiled through the whole song. They clearly had a sincere joy and genuine appreciation for the music. I was hooked. So I looked up Dan Zanes on the web, purchased the House Party album, and sure enough, that infectious joy permeates the entire album. I'm 47 years old, but the album will also appeal to "kids" older and younger than I. It's irresistible.
... Read more

Aussie exclusive box-set featuring a collection of Disney's best-loved songs. 60 years of musical magic from 'Snow White' to the 'Lion King', from Mary Poppins' to 'Toy Story'. Five standard jewel cases housed together in a slipcase. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Disney lovers young and old
I highly recommend this set of Disney Music. What a great assortment of songs from All the Disney Classics. You get a lot of music for your money.

We have one CD playing at least once throughout the day and I always have one in the car. Its one of those CDs' that you can keep playing and not get sick of it. My whole family enjoys them and I am so happy that we made this purchase. If you are a fan of Disney's Movies and Music then go and get this set, you won't regret it!

A nice stroll down memory lane
This is a very thorough collection of songs from various Disney movies over the years. Most of the songs are familiar favorites that even those who are not rabid Disney fans (like myself) will be able to sing along with. My only complaint, and the reason this collection merited 4 stars instead of five is for a collection titled "Classic Disney" it seems to lean much more heavily on the newer movies such as Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Hunchback etc. instead of what I consider to be "classic" Disney and the live action Disney movies with the exception of the Parent Trap and meager spinkling of a few others are totally excluded. A nice touch is the addition of songs from some of the attractions at the Disney themeparks. There is so much Disney music out there that it would be impossible to include eveything, but this collection is a great jumping off place. Additionally, this boxed set is much cheaper than purchasing the CDs individually. I purchased Volume 1 of this set a few years ago for almost half of what I paid for the entire boxed set. Its a must have for all Disneyaholics!

The Absolute Best!
This is the greatest collection of Disney music ever made! I don't have children, but am a child at heart, and have always appreciated Disney music. I've found that this is the best set of Disney music available, you'll be killing millions of birds with one stone if you're searching to collect Disney music. This has it all!

variable sound quality & volume
If you want a comprehensive, economical collection of wonderful Disney songs, then this is the set for you. Although I am a Disney music fan, I was disappointed in this collection. First, I was surprised that other reviewers did not mention that the sound quality and volume vary. This problem is annoying to me while listening. Second, the collection contains a number of songs that make good background music for Disney movies but are boring to listen to on their own. Third, the songs seem to occur in a random order. I would have preferred that songs from the same movie be grouped together. Personally, I would have preferred a complete set of "greatest hits."

Essential
I have a Disney music collection worth hundreds of dollars, and this is one of my most prized pieces. It is a closed colletion that is no longer available from Disney and is far better and more conprehensive that the current collection that they are releasing. Get it while you still can.
... Read more

An aptly named album if ever there was one, Not for Kids Only combines the talents of two legendary performers, the late Jerry Garcia, singer-guitarist of the Grateful Dead, and David Grisman, mandolinist and father of "dawg music," a melding of bluegrass, jazz, swing, Latin, and Jewish klezmer sounds. On this 1993 recording, the two devoted friends make seemingly effortless music, adapting traditional and old-time folk into a personalized sound so "homemade" (with jew's-harp and tambourine) as to inspire any child, young or old, to pick up whatever's at hand to play along. From the jaunty rhythms of "Jenny Jenkins" to the cornball humor of "Arkansas Traveler" and the laugh-out-loud lyrics of "A Horse Named Bill" ("I had a girl and her name was Daisy / And when she sang the cat went crazy"), this album, with Garcia's delightful hand-drawn cover art, tickles from top to bottom. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Try to get it away from the kids!
Being a Garcia fan, I bought this many years ago for myself. Recently I had to buy another copy so I could get mine back from my 7 year old daughter. Her current favorite is Shanandoah, but tht changes according to her mood. The tape mainly features folk tunes that have come to the US and have had various alterations. Some of the versions picked are lesser known ones so you may even learn a few new verses!

Grisman and Garcia played well together and their timing was perfect. Production qualities are good and there are non musical sounds blended in in places that lend some decoration to the guitar and banjo that are used throughout. Their voices blend quite well on the tape, and yet in the 2 part songs there is no doubt that they are playing question and answer and having fun with it. I would recommend this to anyone with kids or with out if you have a liking for Burl Ives type music. The title of this collection is quite accurate.

Better than Xanax for babies
This CD calmed our newborn son into quietude by the end of the opening bars of "Jenny Jenkins" every single time. Garcia and Grisman's voices are so gentle and soothing that it's calming for young ones, and their wit and humor never disappoints the adults.

I have a theory about kids and banjo music: I have yet to find a child who doesn't respond positively to it, and I think it's because it's rhythmic, quiet and silly at the same time. People who associate him primarily with his endless Grateful Dead guitar jams may not know that Jerry Garcia was a very skilled banjo picker. David Grisman's mandolin adds harmony and a faraway soulful sound, a perfect combination for the traditional songs on this album.

for kids of all ages
This is a great album. It's a whole lot of fun. It's really just Jerry and Dave doing a bunch of kids songs. I don't have any kids so I can't really tell you how well this goes over with little ones; but then that should also tell you how nice this album is for adults.

This album features the bluegrass, twangy sound that Garcia and Grisman became known for. It's really no different there. But unlike just about all their other albums, this one you can sing along really loud and have a blast doing it. Good stuff.

My son loves this album
I first heard about this album while watching a show on Jerry Garcia. My two week old son heard "Jenny Jenkins" and immediately calmed down. I bought the album and my son, now six weeks, still quiets right down when I put it on for him. My husband and I also very much enjoy the music as it truly does evoke that sitting on the front porch watching the fireflys feeling. It is nice to have music for our whole family and I am sure this will become a lifelong favorite.

CULTURE AND CLASS
When I first heard even a part of a song on this cd I was completely overjoyed. I just bought this disk for my brother who had his first baby this month and I know for sure that he will love it as much as the baby will. This alblum is a fantastic way to introduce a baby into a world of happiness and music.I believe that whenever he hears these tunes in his later years He'll say "God, I remember listening to these songs with my dad when we were on our way to go hiking." Music makes memories so much easier to touch and makes life sweeter along the bumpy road. The earlier people learn this the better. if anything else, he may ask who the singers of this song are and be in for a great story.. it is truely not for kids only.
... Read more

The genius of the Disneymania series -- if genius isn't too strong a word to use in association with tween-targeted music -- is the levels on which it works. If you're eight, it's the ideal jumping-off point from pure-kiddie fare: goodbye Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, hello Skye Sweetnam. And if you're 18 (or older), it's lighthearted kitsch; a lively, listenable, and sometimes surprising excuse to revisit songs you loved as a kid. In addition to Disney's own popster parade (Jump5, The Cheetah Girls, Christy Carlson Romano), mainstream hit makers like Jessica Simpson and Clay Aiken don their mouse ears for 3 -- the charm in a series that will leave tweens of all stripes wishing upon a star for a 4 that's as bright and shiny. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Crazia for Mania!!!
1. Under the Sea-Raven-10/10 Awesome version of this disney classic!
2. Hawiian Roller Coaster-Jump5- 0/10 I hardly listen to this except once in a full moon
3. A Whole New World- Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson-10/10 Wow!
4. It's a small World Rapmaina Mix-Fan_3 Did they really think people would like this?!
5. The Bare Neccesitites-Bowling For Soup- 10/10 The Jungle is jumin'
6. I Won't(Say I'm In Love)-The Cheetah Girls-10/10 I like this one a lot
7. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah-Aly and A.J. 10/10 My favorite song on here
8. Kiss the Girl-Vitamin C-10/10 PERFECT!
9. Part of Your World-Skye Sweetnam-1/10- Whoa,What happened?
10. Colors of the Wind-Christy Carlson Ramono- 9/10 It's Pretty
11. Proud of Your Boy-Clay Aiken- 10/10 Clay is really sweet on this song
12. Cruella DeVill-Lalain- 10/10 Great Remake of this song
13. When You Wish Upon A Star-Jesse McCartney 8/10 Pretty Good. Jesse has sung better though

Maniac for Mania version 2.0
You must have this. It's like a whole new perspective on Disney... way to go! Raven, Lalaine, Nick and Jessica, Kimberly, I LOVE THEM ALL!! Except Ali and A.J. They can sing... sort of. And the Cheetah Girls... WAY away from my comfort zone...

But everyone else, way to go!

I liked most of the songs
Here's what I thought:

Under The Sea- Raven Symone 5/5 Her voice was awesome and that was a great song

Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride- Jump5 5/5 They were totally awesome in this song

It's A Small World (Rapmania!Mix)-Fan_3 2/5 I hated it but I gave it 2 stars because Fan_3 stuck with a lost cause

The Bare Necessities-Bowling for Soup 3/5 Pretty good I thought that it would be A LOT better

Zip A Dee Doo Dah-Aly and A.J. 5/5 I love Aly and A.J. and the song was great I loved it loved it loved it!

Kiss the Girl-Vitamin C 4/5 I don't like this song much but I do kind of like it and the voice was reasonable

Part of Your World-Skye Sweetnam 1/5 One out of five because this song was so fast and the voice was not the best. the star is because I liked the song

Colors of the Wind-Christy Carlson Romano 3/5 No comments

Proud of Your Boy-Clay Aiken 3/5 No comments

Strangers like Me-Everlife 5/5 Pretty good

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes-Kimberely Locke 5/5 I love this song and the voice and speed are great

Cruella De Vil-Lalaine 5/5 I loved it and Lalaine has an awesome voice

When You Wish Upon A Star-Jesse McCartney 0/5 Terrible song!
I hate Jesse McCartney. Bad voice to every single song
he ever sang.

*I got some of this from the first review but most we just agree on

From a fan
You might think that this Disneymania was better than the
other ones but if you think that, look at my results of each
song listed below.

Under The Sea- Raven Symone 5/5 I think Raven did a good job in
this song because her voice sounded awsome and the beat to the
music was actually nice.
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride- Jump5 5/5 Okay...The boys in this
song and the girls in this song had exellent voices from begining
to end.And I like the Hawaiian beat to it.
A Whole New World-Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson 5/5I love
this song!It has good beat and the best part about this song is that it has 3 new tones to it.
It's A Small World (Rapmania!Mix)-Fan_3 5/5 I love the rap in this song because I thought Lil'Romeo sang that rap.Also it really goes with the song.
The Bare Necessites-Bowling For Soup 4/5 OMG! I love this song
to and everything but the guy in Bowling For Soup that had a voice was okay but not what I expected.
I Won't Say (I'm In Love)-The Cheetah Girls 5/5 I love this song
so much I sing to it and dance to it.I like their voices too.
Zip A Dee Doo Dah-Aly and A.J. 3/5 I'm not that big of a fan of
Aly and A.J. but the song's good though.
Kiss The Girl-Vitamin C 2/5 I don't like this song that much.
It's too slang to sing to.And you get all confused with the lines.
Part Of Your World-Skye Sweetnam 5/5 I love this song!I'm the
total fan of Skye becuase she sings really good songs.I love her
voice,the lyrics,the beat and the tone to the song.
Colors Of The Wind-Christy Carlson Romano 1/5 Christy didn't make
her voice beautiful,she just made it punk.
Proud Of Your Boy-Clay Aiken 5/5 Better than the original version.I'm the fan of Clay Aiken.
Strangers Like Me-Everlife 5/5 Also I like that the song
is really rock and it's really filled with pressure.
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes-Kimberely Locke 5/5
Love this song don't know what to say about this song.
Cruella De Vil-Lalaine 5/5 I love this song.I love Lalaine voice
in this song.
When You Wish Upon A Star-Jesse McCartney 0/5 Terrible song!
Bad ending!I hate Jesse McCartney.Bad voice to every single song
he sang.

Was this review helpful to you? Yes or No

Some good, some bad
Highlights:Also known as the great stuff

3) A Whole New World -is there ANYthing Nick and Jess can't do??
9)Part of Your World -(Skye Sweetnam)- totally remade withattitude. My favorite.
10)Colors Of The Wind -(C.C.R) - she has a very unique voice...
14)Cruella Deville -(Lalaine)- Never heard of her before- she really surprised me with her talent. love her single. and ummm...ashley who?
15. Jesse McCartney - The voice, the looks,... like a another, younger Nick Lachey...

AND THE ICKY:
Some of these are sooo bad, they aren't worth mentioning. But just to warn you..
4)Small World - this isn't even cute- this grungy girl thinks she's Eminem! I'd laugh if I wasn't horrified at her serious(?) attempt at a career...
6)Cheetah Girls- A song for very very young cute little girls...
7) Zippity... -oh so annoying! Just letting anyone sing at Disney now are they?
11.)Right. He has no redeeming qualities including the singing. BORING!

Oh right, I'm not a fan of Kimberly from American Idol, but her Cinderella song is really pretty. And Raven is doing a great job leading the Disney family with her talents.
I'd like to see more princess songs covered by great voices like Brie Larson, Lindsay Lohan to give things a rock sound.
More Jessica Simpson- Snow White?, More Skye and Lalaine, definitly Christina again. Kelly Clarkson.
... Read more

Baby Beluga is a fun-filled collection of favorite children's songs and Raffi originals, all performed in the singer's folksy, expressive style. Beluga begins with the sounds of whales communicating in their high-pitch squeaks (which presented here come across as cute and sweet) and features melodic lines that evoke vivid pictures of gentle waves and a frolicking whale. An illustrated sing-along book that is published separately is a nice companion to this first track, giving young listeners visual images of the song's narrative. The rest of this varied album blends traditional songs like "Oats and Beans and Barley" and "This Old Man" with four original pieces by Raffi, including the instrumental "Water Dance." Liner notes have the complete lyrics, a description and history of beluga whales, and explanations of Raffi's inspiration and ties to each song.This is an excellent album with catchy tunes that's sure to become a household favorite. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Highly Recommended! Pure Fun and Joy!
Our family loves Raffi's music, and we would love to share his music with you.

Raffi's music is pure magic for children! That's why he has been honored with numerous parent and children awards, sold 13 million albums worldwide, over a million books, and millions of concert videos. He's the Mr. Rogers of children's music. His music is good for children (unlike some of the commerical trash out there). And his music is so much fun!

"Baby Beluga" was certified Double Platinum in North America (and more worldwide). It's a favorite of ours. Our children never tire of these songs, despite playing them over and over. Your child will love it very much. Some say it's the best children's album of all-time.

The song "Baby Beluga" is definitely the best children's song of all time. It's so easy to sing along with, and the words are just great! Share Baby Beluga with your child(ren).

From generation to generation
I bought this cd for my 3 year old's birthday, along with the Baby Beluga book and he LOVES this cd - we listen to it every night before he goes to bed, sometimes twice. When I was younger my cousins and I would listen to this cd so it brings back great memories. You cannot go wrong with any of Raffi's cd's but I am partial to this one.

Misguided
Inducting post-pubertal adolescents into The Secret Game is fine and dandy, but this project goes too bloody far! Why not let the target market (children aged 2 to 7) be free of such concerns till they are ready to accept with full understanding what Raffi is promising. Look, I'm very grateful he exposed me to all the beauty and heartbreak of these alternative lifestyles, but he and Michael Jackson need to allow us younger folk a little breathing room before we dive into the wild chaos of their Special Secret Fun. That's all I'm saying.

Baby Beluga - Raffi
I have listened to this tape since I was a little girl and now both my daughters listen to the CD. We love it. Great traveling songs!!

Joshua Giraffe
I must say that this truly is the greatest song ever written.
... Read more

Those who spent (or are spending) their formative years watching Kermit and Miss Piggy dance their special interspecies dance will revel in this spectacular, positively historic new Muppets CD, released just in time for the 25th anniversary of Jim Henson's The Muppet Show. A 20-page insert booklet, complete with color photos, details the fascinating history of Muppet music. Remember when Sesame Street's rendition of Jeff Moss's "Rubber Duckie" hit the kiddie pop charts? This 27-song CD harvests favorite and lesser-known recordings from feature films and from the original The Muppet Show, stringing songs ranging from Piero Umiliani's "Mahna Mahna" to Tony Burrello's "There's a New Sound" (the sound that's made by worms) together with skits and grand pronouncements and goofy sound effects like an old-time vaudeville show. A stunning variety of musical styles are showcased in this witty, wonderful collection that reminds us that a world without Fozzie Bear and Gonzo and Kermit and Miss Piggy would be less fuzzy indeed. --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Quality entertainment ... so lacking in this world ...
This is, without a doubt, one of the best compact discs I have ever purchased.

I am a real sucker for nostalgia, and "The Muppet Show" is one of my favorite collections. If I had to make one slight complaint, it would seem that this collection is, mostly, a compilation CD of songs from the various Muppet movies released over the years.

I would, frankly, rather see individual soundtracks brought back into print. Where can one find a clean copy of Rowlf and Kermit singing "I Hope That Something Better Comes Along" nowadays, after all? But perhaps the market wouldn't bear that: soundtracks don't do well when they only appeal to specialized audiences.

That is, however, pretty much my only complaint: I wanted more. That should tell you what high, entertaining quality the Muppets produce: it's a wonderful, non-harmful addiction. Purchase this CD: you very much will not regret it.

"Hey, Look It's a Bear".
I grew up with the Muppets. When I was a wee lad I had daily doses of Sesame Street, weekly doses of "The Muppet Show", when I got older I devoured "The Storyteller", and THE MUPPET MOVIE is still one of my favorite movies of all time. For a fan like me, this album is a must have. It includes songs not only from "The Muppet Show" but at least one tune from all six Muppet movies. However, I wish they would have had something different from MUPPETS IN SPACE than the remake of "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday."

Some of my favorite songs on the album include:

"The Muppet Show Theme"

"Mahna Mahna"

"Wishing Song"

"We Got Us"

"The Rainbow Connection"

"Happiness Hotel"

"One More Sleep 'Til Christmas"

"Love Led Us Here"

The album also comes with a well informed twenty page booklet, filled with all sorts of Muppets trivia. If you love the Muppets, you will love this album.

Get away from it all... WITH THE MUPPETS!
I can come home from after a bad day at work, and pop this CD in while I'm cooking dinner. All of a sudden I'm whisked away to the muppet stage, or movie theater! Stesses magically are gone. You can't help but smile and hum along, even dance a bit, especially to favorites like, Mahna Mahna and Happy Feet.For all muppet fans, this CD is a MUST.I found it hard to find a CD with my favorite song of all time, but this CD has it-- THE RAINBOW CONNECTION.Muppet Fans rejoice, finally there is a collection that is just perfect.

The Muppets Rule!
This collection brings back many memories of watching the Muppet show when I was a kid with my father. The best part of the Muppets is they are still just as funny now, looking back, as they were then. They didn't dumb themselves down a la Barney to entertain kids. Parents could also be entertained. When Jim Henson tragically died on my birthday in 1990, the world lost a genius. The Muppets now a days aren't as funny as they used to be, and Jim Henson's loss is the reason for this. I put this on in my car as soon as I got it.. I think I got some odd looks from other drivers for singing "Mahna, Mahna!" but it's worth it. Pick this up, and have fun!

It could have been so much better.
I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Muppet Show. (That may sound like a paradoxical statement to some.) I loved the first few Muppet motion pictures as a kid and now as an adult. I know there are thousands, perhaps millions, just like me. For myself and for them I make the following statement concerning this CD:

We deserved much better.

I know there are some good songs on here. Among them, "It's Not Easy Bein' Green," "Wishing Song," "He'll Make Me Happy," "Can You Picture That," and "Happiness Hotel" along with a few others. Those great classics speak for themselves, so I don't feel the need to elaborate on how good they are. But Scooter's song, "There's a New Sound" is the most redundant song I've ever heard. If I were hearing that song as a 6-year-old child, I still wouldn't like it. There's no variation and no creativity in it.

Creativity has always been a Muppet trademark.

Also, I couldn't believe that they did not include the classic song "Saying Goodbye." I remember this heartfelt song being played on Entertainment Tonight as a tribute the day Jim Henson died. Also missing from THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN soundtrack was the catchy tune on their Broadway show, "Somebody's Getting Married."

The remixing of Gonzo's wonderful song, "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday," was the salt on an open wound. I listened to that and thought, "Of all the songs, why in the world did they have to alter that one?"

Would I recommend this CD (to another Muppet fan)? The answer is yes but only because there are currently no alternatives out there.

Perhaps what would be most pleasing to all the Muppet fans is if the actual motion picture soundtracks were remastered and released. That way, everyone could have the original recordings of their favorite songs as they remembered them.

This rating system won't allow me to give it 2.5 stars, so I'll cut the CD some slack and round it up to 3 stars.
... Read more

From the reggae-tinged title track to the light blues of "Drive My Car" to the irresistible tease of "I'm Gonna Catch You" and at all stops in between, the 20 tracks on Laurie Berkner's fourth record for kids dance off the disc and into the imagination, with a Goldilocks just-right ratio of silly ("Do the Dragon") and serious ("I'm Me and You're You"). Driving home her reputation as an Ani DiFranco for kids is the earthy "Running Down the Hill." "Shortnin' Bread," the Southern traditional, will compel kids to tie on aprons and tap their way across the kitchen floor. The Hawaiian thank-you number "Mahalo" and the Eastern "Boody Boody Ya Ya Ya" draw upon world music, but otherwise, Berkner's days of shaking her noodle head (a favorite dance ditty off an earlier disc) to the delight of 2-year-olds seem numbered. That's not to say Shady Tree's canopy doesn't extend to the sippy-cup crowd, only that Berkner's branching out. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Another hit from Laurie Berkner
This is just another wonderful CD by one of my kids favorite artists. Most all the songs are fun and lively, with creative lyrics, and a couple old favorites as well. This is the type of music that your kids can dance around and even act out some of the songs in play. You won't be disappointed in any of Laurie's albums if you like creative music that even adults can enjoy!

Can't live without it!!!!!!!!!!
Laurie Berkner came to N.H. 2 years ago to perform a benefit concert, and ever since my family has been HOOKED. I purchased "Whaddaya Think of That" and "Victor Vito" and we loved them. Recently, I bought "Under a Shady Tree" and was once again blown away by her music. My children want to hear the CD over and over again, and so do I. She has added horns, jazz, an ethnic flair and so much more to her music, which really gets you going. We can't stop from moving when we play this CD. It also has made long trips to Grandma's house much more enjoyable. We all sing along and it seems like we just started our trip when we arrive happy and energized. We call "Under a Shady Tree" our "traveling CD" not only because we bring on all of our trips, but because it goes from the car to the house, and from the house to the car. I don't like to be without it.After a long day with the kids if I start to feel overwhelmed, I put in the CD and forget about all of my problems. It is impossible too listen to the music and stay in a bad mood. The kids and I just sing and dance and laugh at the songs.I am unable to pick just one, or even two or three songs, that are our favorites, because they are all so good. Each song has it's own "Special Something" that makes it differennt from the rest. But I must say that the one song that comes closest to my heart is "Smile". I am brought to tears everytime I hear Laurie sing it. The words and music are so powerful about the love a parent has for their child and how he/she makes them feel. I sing it to my children every night before they go to sleep.I also have to comment on the remarkable ability that Laurie and Suzie have to harmonize with one another. They send chills through me and you can really feel the music (especially in Mahalo, Just Like the Sun, Running Down the Hill, After it Rains and Shortnin' Bread.If you don't own any of Laurie Berkner's CDs yet, or even if you do, I recommend that you try "Under a Shady Tree". My family has enjoyed all 3 that we have and we have shared them with friends and family. They went right out and purchased their own.Thumbs up to Laurie, Brian and Suzie!!!!!!!!!

My 4 year old loves it!
I bought this CD mainly to get free shipping and knew that it had song in my tummy on it. My 4 year old son has not stopped listening to it since we got it (and his baby sister smiles when she hears it too), he sings along to every song (especially drive my car) and even sings the songs without the CD on. It is pleasent and fun listening for the parents as well. Go for it.

We LOVE Laurie!!!
We have three of her CD's (all are great) but this seems to be the first choice of our three year old. Her lyrics are easy to learn, fun to dance to and enjoyed by our entire family. Her voice is beautiful and her folk style seems to really catch on. This CD is highly recommended (...). My nieces ages 4, 5 & 7 also think it's a fun CD to dance to when they visit. You won't be sorry you purchased this.

Makes little ones get up & dance!!
This is a great CD! We searched on Amazong after seeing the "Move to the Music" mini-videos of Larie on Noggin (TV). If Charlotte could dance, she would! At 9 months that would be a feat, but for now she happily squeals and bounces up and down when the videos come on. When we play this in the van we often hear squeals of delight. I don't mind the music myself, but my husband & I have been fans of TMBG (They Might Be Giants) for years. (This is similar - not as good, but great for kids music.) After listening to the Little People's Animal Songs CD - this sounds like music for the gods. (Going to the Zoo will drive you insane!)Since Charlotte liked TMBG when they sent a musical "letter" on the Blue's Clues Bluestock episode, we may be breaking those CDs out for her to listen to also. If your child likes Laurie then I highly recommend giving TMBG a try.
... Read more

Inspired and wildly imaginative, Beethoven's Wig is one of the best introductions to classical music you could give to your children. Featuring snippets of 11 classical music staples--Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, et al.--the disc and its creators, Richard Perlmutter and friends, pour on the silly lyrics the first time around to familiarize young ears to the old masters. Then in the last half of the record, the orchestra plays the same "serious" music pieces instrumentally. You might cheerfully recall Alan Sherman's popular spoofs of old classical works in Wig; pieces like "Drip, Drip, Drip," which adapts Delibes's "Pizzicato from Sylvia," and if so, you'll again chuckle. You'll also marvel at the expertise throughout the CD, with all the pieces well played and thoroughly fun. Beethoven's Wig is an orchestral treasure with a sense of humor as old or as new as its listeners (and the fun questions that run throughout the CD's liner notes are almost as entertaining as the zany musical interludes). Highly recommended. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (34)

A gift to children: lovable classics
A couple of weeks ago, shortly after I tuned in the Today Show, I left the room for a minute and returned to find my 5-year old looking up from his play, mesmerized, at the TV. Richard Perlmutter was performing a selection from his new CD, "Beethoven's Wig." I'd never heard anything quite like it (Mozart with children's lyrics!) and found myself as drawn in as my son. But it wasn't until hours later, when I actually heard my son humming the melody from the beginning of "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," that I realized what had transpired: my kid was singing classical music. We bought the CD, and have now listened twice together all the way through, from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to Haydn and Offenbach and beyond. It's really delightful, from the first track to the last. And because Perlmutter had the good sense to also include the original versions of these classics without the lyrics, performed by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, now my son likes to sing the lyrics himself sometimes along with the orchestra version so that he's the only voice (classical karaoke, kid-style!). He'll outgrow that someday, no doubt, but he'll always have these incredible melodies forever -- thanks to "Beethoven's Wig" and Perlmutter's fertile imagination. We highly recommend it.

Great lyrics, mediocre lead singer
I cheerfully admit to being more ignorant about classical music than I want to be, so I bought this CD as much for my own edification as for my 4 year-old son's. I thought that the concept of using humor to introduce classical music would really work for my son, as he is constantly singing his favorite songs (over and over and over....).

The lyrics are really very funny ("I can Can Can if you Can Can/Can you Can Can?"-- Offenbach's "Can Can"), and sometimes even educational (I might actually memorize the kings and queens of England set to Purcell's "Trumpet Tune"). Unfortunately, Perlmutter's voice isn't particularly melodic, so the CD isn't as enjoyable as I had hoped. So far, we've gotten more use out of the liner notes than the actual CD: I've been reading/sorta singing the lyrics to my son.

I don't regret this purchase, but I am a bit disappointed...I would actually give this three and a half stars if possible. Just listen to all the audio samples (like I should have) to see if Perlmutter's voice gets on your nerves or not.

Irritating
Humor is subjective. I liked the idea of this cd but when I bought it, I found the lyrics annoying and not really funny. Obviously a lot of other people like but I found it frustrating to have wasted the money. My kids prefer it when I put on regular classical music. They (3 and 4) like listening for all the different instruments. The lyrics seemed more distracting than funny (older kids probably "get" the lyrics in a way preschoolers don't).

Can I only give it 5 stars?
Warning - do not listen to this for the first time while driving. There is a very serious risk of wrecking your car because you are laughing so hard. This CD is wonderful. It the most creative music I've heard since Tom Lehrer. We have both CD's and listen to them constantly. My kids, 7 and 5, get most of the humor and love every hilarious, wonderful song. Thank you, Richard Perlmutter!!

My 2.5 year old loves it!
My daughter loves this CD. She is 2 1/2 and loves the songs and the silly words. We refer to each song by it's correct symphony name, and we often listen to the versions without the words, so she is becoming familiar with the music and the names. I'm ordering the 2nd one!
... Read more